India Stainless Steel Bar: Commerce Considers Reinstating AD Duties on Viraj, Venus

The Commerce Department will consider whether to reinstate antidumping duties on stainless steel bar from India (A-533-810) exported by two companies that were previously exempted from the AD duty order, it said in a notice initiating a changed circumstances review (here). The affiliated companies Viraj Alloys, Ltd., Viraj Forgings, Ltd., and Viraj Impoexpo, Ltd., now known as Viraj Profiles Limited, was “partially revoked” from the AD duty order on tapered roller bearings in 2004, following three straight years of no dumping. Commerce subsequently partially revoked the order as it applies to Venus Wire Industries Pvt. Ltd. for the same reason in 2013. However, the domestic manufacturers that originally requested the AD duty order allege Viraj and Venus have since resumed dumping. According to Commerce, the partial revocations were conditional on Venus' and Viraj's continued lack of dumping, so the agency is beginning a changed circumstances review to examine whether the two companies have resumed sales at less than fair value. If Commerce reaches a preliminary finding that either of the two companies have resumed dumping, it may order suspension of liquidation and cash deposit requirements for the relevant company beginning on the date the preliminary results are published.